What does EGW write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "What does it mean not to judge?"
Answer
Not judging means not elevating oneself above others or condemning their motives, since only God knows the hidden intentions of the heart. Instead of exposing the faults of fellow humans, one should focus on examining one's own heart and meet others with the same mercy one desires from God. Those who judge others hastily assume a prerogative of the Creator and often reveal their own even greater shortcomings.
The Human Inability to Judge
»“Do not judge, so that you will not be judged.” Do not consider yourselves better than other people and do not make yourselves their judge. Since you cannot discern motives, you are unable to judge another. By criticizing them, you pronounce judgment upon yourselves...«
Beware of Pride and Presumption
It should not be taken lightly to speak ill of others or to make ourselves judges of their motives or actions. ... There is only one Judge – Him, “who will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the intentions of hearts.” And anyone who takes it upon themselves to judge and condemn their fellow humans assumes the Creator's prerogative.
Mercy Instead of Fault-Finding
Remember that your brothers are fallible creatures just like you, and view their faults and errors with the same mercy and forbearance you wish to receive from them. They should not be scrutinized and their shortcomings displayed before the world... Those who dare this have taken the judge's seat and made themselves judges, while neglecting the garden of their own heart...
The Beam in One's Own Eye
It is often the case that someone quick to point out the faults of their brothers is themselves caught in greater errors and blind to their own mistakes.
Speaking Truth in Love
Often the truth and facts must be clearly spoken to the erring, so that they may see and feel their error and be corrected. But this should always be done with compassionate tenderness, not with harshness or severity, but in view of one's own weakness, so that one is not also tempted.
- Self-examination instead of condemnation
- Mercy toward fellow humans
- Christian humility and discernment
Original Sources (English)
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